Prust was suspended two games for the hit which saw Stepan require surgery Friday night.

"It's an unfortunate injury," Prust, a former Ranger, told the assembled media Saturday. "Unfortunate for him, and unfortunate for me. My mindset is not trying to injury anybody. And Step is a friend of mine. My main focus on the hit was keeping my elbow tucked, trying to make sure I got him in the chest.

"I reached out to him, I texted him, just told him: 'I feel awful,"' Prust said. "I didn't want to injure anybody, especially a friend of mine. I told him exactly what I told you guys, it was my first shift and I was just trying to create some body contact. I feel awful. You never want to hurt anybody. I hope he recovers well."

Asked if Stepan returned the text, Prust said: "Yeah, it was short. But I think he understands where I'm coming from. It's a tough situation right now."